WO2024014872A1

WO2024014872A1 - Food waste disposer and operation method of food waste disposer

Info

Publication number: WO2024014872A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/009945
Authority: WO
Inventors: 강미조; 최정원; 장경아
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-07-13
Filing date: 2023-07-12
Publication date: 2024-01-18

Abstract

A food waste disposer and an operation method of the food waste disposer may be disclosed. The operation method of the food waste disposer may comprise the operations of: measuring the distance from a distance sensing module to a by-product stored in a storage container through the distance sensing module which is disposed on a cover provided to seal an upper portion of the storage container at a predetermined distance away from a transfer pipe; and outputting a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container, on the basis of the measured distance being less than or equal to a threshold distance.

Description

Food waste disposer and how it operates

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a food waste disposer and a method of operating the food waste disposer.

A food waste processor refers to a device that reduces the amount of food waste through drying, grinding, and microbial fermentation. In general, by-products generated from a food waste processor must be collected by the user and moved to a storage container. Due to the inconvenience of users having to manually transfer by-products to a storage container every time by-products are generated, the need for automatic transfer of by-products is emerging.

However, when by-products are automatically transferred to the storage box, if the user does not empty the storage box at the appropriate time, the problem of by-products overflowing from the storage box may occur. Therefore, there may be inconvenience in that the user must periodically check whether the storage box is full of by-products.

A food waste processor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processing assembly that generates by-products by drying or pulverizing food; A transfer pipe connected to the processing assembly and transporting by-products generated in the processing assembly; A storage container connected to the lower part of the transfer pipe and storing the by-products transferred through the transfer pipe; a distance detection module that is spaced a predetermined distance away from the transfer pipe and is placed on a cover provided to seal the top of the storage container, and measures the distance to the by-product stored in the storage container; And based on the distance from the distance detection module to the by-product measured through the distance detection module being less than or equal to the threshold distance, it may include at least one processor that controls the output interface to output a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container.

A method of operating a food waste processor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is performed by a distance sensing module disposed on a cover provided to seal the top of a storage container at a predetermined distance from a transfer pipe for transporting by-products, and from the distance sensing module to a processing assembly. An operation of measuring the distance from a by-product produced by drying or grinding food and stored in a storage container; and outputting a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container based on the measured distance being less than or equal to the threshold distance.

1 is a diagram for explaining a food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a transfer pipe and storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a sensor case coupled to a distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a sensing area of a distance sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a sensing area of a distance detection module combined with a sensor case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a transparent cover coupled to a distance sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating a food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a case where the distance from the first distance detection module to the by-product exceeds the critical distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a case where the distance from the first distance detection module to the by-product reaches the critical distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating a case where the distance from the first distance detection module to the by-product is less than the critical distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first distance detection module tilted at a predetermined angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation of providing a notification related to emptying by-products of a storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of outputting a notification related to emptying of by-products of a storage container using a second distance detection module or a capacitance sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining a second distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining a capacitance sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining a method of controlling the opening and closing of an outlet of a processing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 15b is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the opening and closing of an outlet of a processing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the outlet of the processing assembly is closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the outlet of the processing assembly is open according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a food waste processing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 19 is a flowchart for explaining a method of providing information on the loading amount of by-products according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing a table for identifying the loading amount of by-products according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 21 is a flowchart for explaining a method by which a server device identifies the loading amount of a by-product in a storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 22 is a diagram for explaining an operation of providing information regarding the loading amount of by-products in a storage container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining whether measurement data is abnormal data based on additional information of a distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a vacuum cleaner device that provides a dust bag replacement notification using a distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining a dust bag replacement notification according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator that controls ice production using a distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator that automatically fills a water tank with water using a distance detection module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Terms used in the present disclosure will be briefly described, and an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

The terms used in the present disclosure have selected general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in an embodiment of the present disclosure, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. there is. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply the name of the term.

In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” refers to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “a, b and c", or variations thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, when a part “includes” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In addition, terms such as "...unit" and "module" described in the present disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "...unit" and "module" are implemented in hardware or software. Alternatively, it can be implemented through a combination of hardware and software.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described herein. In order to clearly describe an embodiment of the present disclosure in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are assigned similar reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a device for reducing the amount of food waste by drying or pulverizing food. Here, food may include food waste. The food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a disposal assembly 1100, a transfer pipe 1200, a storage container 1310, a distance detection module 1400, and at least one processor (not shown). ) may include, but is not limited to this.

The processing assembly 1100 may be a module that generates by-products 1 by drying or grinding food input by a user. The transfer pipe 1200 may be a part that transfers the by-product 1 generated in the processing assembly 1100 to the storage container 1310. The storage container 1310 may be a part for storing the by-product 1 generated in the processing assembly 1100. Hereinafter, the storage container 1310 may be expressed as a storage box (storage container). That is, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a device that automatically transfers the by-product 1 produced by drying or grinding food to the storage container 1310 without user intervention. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inconvenience of the user having to directly move the by-product 1 to the storage container 1310 every time food waste is disposed of can be reduced.

The by-product 1 transferred through the transfer pipe 1200 may be piled up in the shape of a mountain peak in the storage container 1310. Since the by-product 1 is accumulated in the form of a mountain peak, even if the storage container 1310 is not full of the by-product 1, the by-product 1 may overflow. For example, even if the by-product 1 appears to be not full in the storage container 1310 through the transparent window 1301 provided on one side of the storage container 1310, it is actually visible near the transfer pipe 1200. By-products (1) may overflow.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 notifies the user to empty the by-product 1 automatically transferred through the transfer pipe 1200 at an appropriate time in order to prevent the storage container 1310 from overflowing. It is possible to provide, control the operation of the processing assembly 1100, or control the opening and closing of the transfer pipe 1200.

For example, at least one processor of the food waste processor 1000 may identify the loading height of the by-product 1 in the storage container 1310 using the distance detection module 1400. And when the loading height of the by-product 1 is higher than the critical height, the food waste processor 1000 provides a notification (e.g., please empty the storage container) to empty the by-product 1 in the storage container 1310, or provides a processing assembly ( 1100 may be controlled to stop food processing or may be controlled to close the transfer pipe 1200. In this case, even if the user does not periodically check the amount of by-product 1 loaded in the storage container 1310, the by-product 1 can be prevented from overflowing by emptying the storage container 1310 when a notification is provided. there is. The operation of the food waste disposer 1000 providing an emptying notification using the distance detection module 1400 will be discussed in detail later with reference to FIG. 8 .

The distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be placed in a cover provided to seal the upper part of the storage container 1. At this time, if the distance detection module 1400 is placed close to the transfer pipe 1200, foreign substances may splash on the distance detection module 1400 when the by-product 1 falls, so the distance detection module 1400 is placed close to the transfer pipe 1200. It may be placed at a predetermined distance from 1200. The distance detection module 1400 may measure the distance to the by-product 1 stored in the storage container 1310 and transmit information about the measured distance to at least one processor. The distance detection module 1400 will be examined in detail later with reference to FIG. 4 .

Hereinafter, the configuration of the food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be examined in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the food waste processor 1000 includes a processing assembly 1100, a deodorizing assembly 1150, a transfer pipe 1200, a storage assembly 1300 including a storage container 1310, and a distance detection module 1400. ), at least one processor 1500, and a driving device 1600. However, not all of the components shown in FIG. 2 are essential components. The food waste disposer 1000 may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 2, or the food waste disposer 1000 may be implemented with fewer components. Below, we will look at each configuration.

The processing assembly 1100 may be a device that accommodates food and dries, grinds, or stirs the food. The processing assembly 1100 may include, but is limited to, a receiving portion 1101, a stirring portion 1102, a temperature sensor 1103, a humidity sensor 1104, a heating portion 1105, and an opening/closing portion 1106. That is not the case.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving portion 1101 may be a space in which food is accommodated. The user may open the top cover of the food waste disposer 1000 and put food into the receiving part 1101. The receiving portion 1101 may be cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stirring unit 1102 may include a rotating grinder or a power transmission member. One end of the power transmission member may be connected to the rotating grinder, and the other end of the power transmission member may be connected to the driving device 1600. A rotary grinder may be composed of multiple blades. For example, the plurality of blades may be arranged at different heights. The processing assembly 1100 may grind or stir the food in the receiving portion 1101 by rotating the rotary grinder.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor 1103 or the humidity sensor 1104 may be provided to sense the temperature or humidity within the receiving portion 1101. At least one processor 1500 may obtain temperature information or humidity information within the receiving unit 1101 through the temperature sensor 1103 or the humidity sensor 1104. At least one processor 1500 uses temperature information or humidity information to configure components used when processing food, such as a stirring unit 1102, a convection fan, a fan driving unit, a heating unit 1005, and a driving device 1600. Movement can be controlled.

The heating unit 1105 may be provided adjacent to the outer surface of the receiving unit 1101. For example, the heating unit 1105 may be located below the receiving unit 1101, but is not limited thereto. The heating unit 1105 can generate heat using a heating wire provided therein. When the temperature inside the receiving part 1101 is increased by the heating part 1105, the moisture in the food may evaporate and dry. The evaporated moisture may be discharged to the deodorizing assembly 1150.

The opening/closing unit 1106 may be provided to process food and discharge by-products generated from the receiving unit 1101. The opening and closing portion 1106 may be provided in a lower portion of the receiving portion 1101. The opening/closing unit 1106 may close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 while food is being processed in the receiving unit 1101 and open the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 after food processing is completed. The opening/closing unit 1106 may include, for example, a ball valve, but is not limited thereto. The ball valve in the opening/closing portion 1106 can be locked or opened by the actuating device 1600. In normal times when the food waste processor 1000 is not operating, the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be closed by the opening/closing unit 1106. The opening/closing unit 1106 will be discussed in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 .

The deodorizing assembly 1150 may be a device that filters air containing bad odors generated in the receiving portion 1101 of the processing assembly 1100. The deodorizing assembly 1150 may include at least one filter. The air filtered by the deodorizing assembly 1150 may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole.

The transfer pipe 1200 may be a component that connects the receiving portion 1101 of the processing assembly 1100 and the storage container 1310. By-products generated from processing in the receiving unit 1101 may be transferred to the storage container 1310 along the transfer pipe 1200. When the by-product is transferred from the receiving unit 1101 to the storage container 1310, it may be transferred in a free fall manner.

The storage assembly 1300 including the storage container 1310 may be a component that receives and stores by-products generated by drying or pulverizing food in the processing assembly 1100 from the receiving portion 1101. The storage assembly 1300 may have a sealed structure to prevent stored by-products or odors that may arise from the by-products from leaking to the outside.

The food waste processor 1000 may include at least one processor 1500. The food waste processor 1000 may include one processor or may include a plurality of processors. At least one processor 1500 according to the present disclosure may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), Many Integrated Core (MIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or NPU ( Neural Processing Unit) may be included. At least one processor 1500 may be implemented in the form of an integrated system-on-chip (SoC) including one or more electronic components. Each of the at least one processor 1500 may be implemented as separate hardware (H/W). At least one processor 1500 may be expressed as a Micro-Computer, Microprocessor Computer, Microprocessor controller (MICOM), Micro Processor unit (MPU), or Micro Controller Unit (MCU).

At least one processor 1500 according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a single core processor or a multicore processor.

At least one processor 1500 may control the overall operation of the food waste processor 1000. For example, at least one processor 1500 may control the rotation of the stirring unit 1102 by operating the driving device 1600 to grind or stir food. At least one processor 1500 may perform control to generate heat in the heating unit 1105 to heat the inside of the receiving unit 1101. At least one processor 1500 may control the operation of a convection fan to convect the gas in the accommodation unit 1101. At least one processor 1500 may control the driving device 1600 to open the opening/closing unit 1106 to transfer by-products remaining after processing food to the storage container 1310.

In addition, at least one processor 1500 detects by-products in the storage container 1310 from the distance detection module 1400 disposed on a cover (hereinafter referred to as a storage container cover) provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310. If the distance is less than or equal to the critical distance, the output interface may be controlled to output a notification related to emptying of the by-products of the storage container 1310.

Below, with reference to FIG. 3 , the transfer pipe 1200 and the storage assembly 1300 will be looked at in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the transfer pipe 1200 and the storage assembly 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transfer pipe 1200 may include an upper gasket 1201 or a lower gasket 1202. The upper gasket 1201 may be provided between the transfer pipe 1200 and the processing assembly 1100. That is, the upper gasket 1201 may be in contact with the outlet of the processing assembly 1100. The lower gasket 1202 may be provided between the storage container cover 1320 and the transfer pipe 1200. The lower gasket 1202 is arranged to be in contact with the storage container cover 1320, but may be spaced apart depending on the movement of the storage container cover 1320. By providing the transfer pipe 1200 with an upper gasket 1201 and a lower gasket 1202, the airtightness of the inside of the transfer pipe 1200 can be improved. That is, by providing the upper gasket 1201 and the lower gasket 1202, the odor of food or by-products can be sealed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transfer pipe 1200 may be provided to be fixed to the storage container case 1330. Therefore, even if the storage container cover 1320 moves by attaching or detaching the storage container 1310, the transfer pipe 1200 may be fixed to the storage container case 1330 and may not move.

The storage assembly 1300 may include, but is not limited to, a storage container 1310, a storage container cover 1320, and a storage container case 1330. The storage container 1310 may include a gripper 1311 or a transparent window 1312. The user can attach or detach the storage container 1310 from the storage container case 1330 using the grip part 1311. The transparent window 1312 may be placed in a place visible from the outside when the storage container 1310 is mounted on the storage container case 1330. The transparent window 1312 may be formed along the height direction of the storage container 1310 to allow the user to observe the height of the internal by-product.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage container 1310 may further include a handle portion 1313. For example, the handle portion 1313 may be a part that a user can hold when transporting the storage container 1310 after attaching or detaching it. For example, the handle portion 1313 may be partially fixed to the upper portions of both sides of the storage container 1310 and rotatable. The handle unit 1313 is positioned to face both upper sides of the storage container 1310 when the user does not carry the storage container 1310 or when the storage container 1310 is mounted on the storage container case 1330. You can. The handle portion 1313 may be positioned so that it does not protrude upward from the storage container 1310 when the user is not holding it.

The storage container cover 1320 may be provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310 when the storage container 1310 is mounted on the storage container case 1330. The storage container cover 1320 may be fixedly disposed at the top of the internal space of the storage container case 1330. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage container cover 1320 may be provided with a distance detection module 1400 for detecting the amount of by-products in the storage container 1310. The distance detection module 1400 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe penetration portion 1321. That is, the distance detection module 1400 may be provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance away from the transfer pipe 1200 when the storage container 1310 is mounted on the storage container case 1330. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance detection module 1400 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200 or the transfer pipe penetration part 1321, so that by-products are stored in the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200. ), it is possible to prevent by-products from splashing onto the distance detection module (1400) when falling. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the performance of the distance detection module 1400 from being deteriorated due to foreign substances (by-products). The distance detection module 1400 will be looked at in more detail later with reference to FIG. 4 .

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage container case 1330 may have an internal space formed so that the storage container 1310 is mounted. The open surface of the storage container case 1330 may be a portion where the storage container 1310 is attached or detached. For example, the storage container 1310 may be detached from the open side of the storage container case 1330 and mounted on the open side of the storage container case 1330.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a module for detecting the distance to an object (eg, a by-product). The distance detection module 1400 may include at least one of an optical sensor (e.g., a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, a Position Sensitive Device (PSD), etc.), a LiDAR sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, but is not limited thereto.

The distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed on at least one of the top, side, or rear of the storage container 1310. The food waste disposer 1000 may include one or more distance detection modules 1400. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the distance detection module 1400 provided in the storage container cover 1320 for sealing the upper part of the storage container 1310 is defined as the first distance sensing module 1410, and the storage container 1310 is defined as the first distance sensing module 1410. The distance detection module 1400 provided on one side of 1310 will be defined as the second distance detection module 1420. The food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include only one or both of the first distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420 may be the same type of sensor or may be different types of sensors. For example, both the first distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420 may be ToF sensors. Alternatively, the first distance detection module 1410 may be a ToF sensor and the second distance detection module 1420 may be an ultrasonic sensor, but are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where both the first distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420 are ToF sensors will be described as an example.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage container cover 1320 may further include a seating portion 1322 for seating the first distance sensing module 1410. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the seating portion 1322 may be designed to be thicker than a critical value. When the seating portion 1322 is designed to be thick, the distance from the bottom surface of the storage container 1310 to the first distance sensing module 1410 increases, so when the by-product is introduced into the storage container 1310, the first distance It is possible to prevent foreign substances from getting on the sensing module 1410 or moisture from penetrating.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distance sensing module 1410 may be installed horizontally on the storage container cover 1320. Additionally, the first distance sensing module 1410 may be installed tilted to face the transfer pipe 1200. For example, since the by-products are piled up in the shape of a mountain peak centered on the location of the transfer pipe 1200, the first distance detection module 1410 may be mounted at a predetermined angle to detect the height of the peak side of the by-products. At this time, the predetermined angle may be determined by considering the shape of the by-product accumulation (e.g., gently, slanted, etc.), the height of the by-product peak, the moving speed of the by-product, the mounting position of the first distance detection module 1410, etc. The first distance detection module 1410 installed at a predetermined angle will be examined in more detail later with reference to FIG. 10 .

When the first distance detection module 1410 is installed horizontally on the storage container cover 1320, the detection area of the first distance detection module 1410 may be the first range 401. When the first distance detection module 1410 is installed on the storage container cover 1320 at a predetermined angle, the detection area of the first distance detection module 1410 may be the second range 402. Therefore, when the same amount of by-products is piled up in the storage container 1310, the first distance detection module 1410 is tilted at a predetermined angle compared to the first distance measured when the first distance detection module 1410 is installed horizontally. When installed, the measured second distance may be short.

Meanwhile, the sensing area of the second distance sensing module 1420 installed on the side of the storage container 1310 may be the third range 403. Therefore, when using the second distance detection module 1420, the food waste processor 1000 can identify whether by-products have accumulated to the height where the second distance detection module 1420 is located (the peak of the by-products has been reached). . The operation of the food waste processor 1000 using the second distance detection module 1420 will be discussed in detail later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 .

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance detection module 1400 may include a sensor unit 1401 and a microcontroller (MCU) 1402. The sensor unit 1401 may include a light emitting unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives incident light. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be configured as one module or may be configured separately.

The MCU 1402 can process raw data obtained from the sensor unit 1401. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the MCU 1402 may directly transmit the original data to at least one processor 1500 (e.g., the main processor) of the food waste processor 1000, and may send the result of preprocessing the original data to the main processor. It can also be passed to the processor. For example, the MCU 1402 may transmit distance values measured over a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of distance values to the main processor. In addition, the MCU 1402 calculates the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among the distance values measured for a predetermined time or the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among a predetermined number of distance values. It can be passed to the processor. The sensing area of the sensor unit 1401 has cone-shaped characteristics, so the distance value at the edge of the sensing area may differ from the distance value at the center. Therefore, in order to increase the precision of the distance value, the MCU 1402 can output the average value to the main processor. However, the distance value output by the MCU 1402 is not limited to the average value, and the MCU 1402 may output, for example, a median value, a minimum value, and a maximum value.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance detection module 1400 may communicate with the main processor through a UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter), but is not limited thereto. The distance detection module 1400 may communicate through I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor unit 1401 may be provided on the first side of the distance detection module 1400, and the MCU 1402 may be provided on the second side of the distance detection module 1400. For example, the sensor unit 1401 may be provided on the side facing the storage container 1310, and the MCU 1402 may be provided on the opposite side.

Hereinafter, the sensor case 1403 for adjusting the detection area of the distance detection module 1400 will be examined with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the sensor case 1403 coupled to the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 5, the case where the distance detection module 1400 is a ToF sensor will be described as an example.

The detection area of the ToF sensor, which is an example of the distance detection module 1400, is usually cone-shaped about 20 to 30 degrees, but to prevent malfunction due to detection of the storage container cover 1320 or the wall of the storage container 1310, distance detection Adjustments to the sensing area of module 1400 may be necessary. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance detection module 1400 may be coupled to the sensor case 1403 and installed on one side of the storage container cover 1320 or the storage container 1310. The sensor case 1403 may include a light emitting unit slit 1403a configured to pass a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit and a light receiving unit slit 1403b configured to pass a part of the light incident on the light receiving unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing area of the distance sensing module 1400 may be adjusted through the first width of the light emitting unit slit 1403a and the second width of the light receiving unit slit 1403b. For example, as the first width of the light emitting unit slit 1403a and the second width of the light receiving unit slit 1403b become narrower, the sensing area of the distance sensing module 1400 may also become narrower. The first width of the light emitting unit slit 1403a and the second width of the light receiving unit slit 1403b may be the same or different.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B , we will take a closer look at the change in the detection area of the distance detection module 1400 before and after combining the sensor case 1403.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating the detection area of the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The distance detection module 1400 of FIG. 6A may be in a state in which the sensor case 1403 is not coupled.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the field of view (FOV) 601 of the light emitting unit may be approximately 35 degrees, and the field of view (FOV) 602 of the light receiving unit may be approximately 25 degrees. The light emitted from the light emitting unit in the measurement direction of the distance detection module 1400 may be reflected by the target object (e.g., by-product) and enter the light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit may receive the incident reflected light, and target the target based on the received reflected light. The distance to an object (e.g. a by-product) can be calculated.

The detection area in which the distance detection module 1400 can detect the target object is determined by the viewing angle of the light emitting unit and the viewing angle of the light receiving unit, and may generally be determined to be similar to the viewing angle of the light receiving unit. For example, the detection area of the distance detection module 1400 may be a 25-degree range 603 centered on the normal line passing through the center of the light receiver.

FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the sensing area of the distance detection module 1400 to which the sensor case 1403 is coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the sensor case 1403 may be coupled to the distance detection module 1400 to reduce the detection area of the distance detection module 1400. The sensor case 1403 may be provided with a light emitting unit slit 1403a through which light emitted from the light emitting unit passes and a light receiving unit slit 1403b through which light incident on the light receiving unit passes.

The light emitting unit slit 1403a may be formed to block part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit. That is, the light emitting unit slit 1403a may be formed to pass a part of the light emitted by the light emitting unit and block the remaining part of the light emitted by the light emitting unit. For example, the light emitting unit slit 1403a may be formed to pass light irradiated in a portion of the viewing angle of the light emitting unit and block light irradiated in the remaining angular range.

The light receiving unit slit 1403b may be formed to block part of the light incident on the light receiving unit. That is, the light receiver slit 1403b may be formed to pass a part of the light incident on the viewing angle of the light receiver and block the remaining part of the light incident on the viewing angle of the light receiver. For example, the light receiver slit 1403b may be formed to pass light incident in a portion of the viewing angle of the light receiver and block light incident in the remaining angle range.

Accordingly, when the sensor case 1403 is combined, the detection area of the distance detection module 1400 may be reduced. For example, the sensing area of the distance detection module 1400 to which the sensor case 1403 is combined may be a range 604 of 7.63 degrees centered on the normal line passing through the center of the light receiver. After the sensor case 1403 is combined, the sensing area of the distance detection module 1400 is reduced, so that the distance detection module 1400 detects the storage container cover 1320 or the storage container instead of the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310. Misrecognition of the distance to the wall of the container 1310 can be prevented.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection area of the distance detection module 1400 may be adjusted to be smaller than the 7.63 degree range by reducing the first width of the light emitting unit slit 1403a or the second width of the light receiving unit slit 1403b. there is.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a transparent cover 1404 coupled to the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to prevent foreign substances from getting on the sensor unit 1401 included in the distance detection module 1400, the first distance detection module 1410 in which the sensor unit 1401 is disposed One side may be coupled to a transparent cover 1404 to prevent foreign matter. The transparent cover 1404 may be made entirely of a transparent material, or only the portion that contacts the sensor unit 1401 may be made of a transparent material.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to minimize the air gap and prevent crosstalk, when the distance sensing module 1400 and the transparent cover 1404 are combined, a screw fastening structure 1405 ) can be applied. Air gap may refer to the space between the distance detection module 1400 and the transparent cover 1404. If an air gap occurs between the distance detection module 1400 and the transparent cover 1404, the light transmitted through the light emitting unit may be diffusely reflected, and crosstalk (propagation of noise) may occur due to the diffuse reflection. , the distance detection module 1400 may misdetect the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the screw fastening structure 1405 is applied to minimize the air gap, the false detection rate of the distance detection module 1400 can be improved.

When the transparent cover 1404 is coupled to the distance detection module 1400, the transparent cover 1404 prevents the by-product from splashing on the distance detection module 1400 when the by-product falls into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200. ) can prevent it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the performance of the sensor unit 1401 from being deteriorated due to foreign matter or moisture penetration.

Hereinafter, the food waste processor 1000 uses the distance detection module 1400 to identify the loading height of the by-products in the storage container 1310, and adaptively provides a notification or information about the loading amount according to the loading height of the by-products. Let us take a closer look at how to provide or control the operation of the processing assembly 1100.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of the food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S810, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure uses a first distance detection module 1410 disposed on a cover (storage container cover 1320) provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310. It is possible to measure the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310.

Since the first distance detection module 1410 is located at the top of the storage container 1310, the longer the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product, the lower the loading height of the by-product, and the smaller the loading amount of the by-product. Additionally, the shorter the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product, the higher the loading height of the by-product, and the greater the loading amount of the by-product. That is, the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product may be inversely proportional to the loading height or loading amount of the by-product.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 detects the first distance by using the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest and highest values among the distance values measured over a predetermined time by the first distance detection module 1410. It can be obtained as the distance from the module 1410 to the by-product. For example, the distance values measured by the first distance detection module 1410 for 300 ms are 90.0mm, 89.9mm, 90.1mm, 89.9mm, 90.2mm, 90.0mm, 89.5mm, 89.9mm, 90.0mm, 91.0mm. In this case, the food waste processor 1010 may exclude the maximum value of 91.0 mm and the minimum value of 89.5 mm and obtain 90 mm, which is the average value of the remaining distance values, as the distance value from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 calculates the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest and highest values among the predetermined number of distance values measured by the first distance detection module 1410. 1 It can be obtained as the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product. For example, if the five distance values measured by the first distance detection module 1410 are 90.0mm, 89.9mm, 90.1mm, 89.7mm, and 90.3mm, the food waste processor 1010 detects the maximum value of 90.3mm and the minimum value of 90.3mm. Excluding 89.7mm, 90mm, which is the average value of the remaining distance values, can be obtained as the distance value from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the average value may be calculated in the MCU 1402 of the first distance detection module 1410, and at least one processor 1500 (e.g., main processor) of the food waste processor 1000. The average value may be calculated from . The detection area of the first distance detection module 1410 has cone-shaped characteristics, so the distance value at the edge of the detection area may differ from the distance value at the center. Accordingly, in order to increase the precision of the distance value from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product, the food waste processor 1000 may use the average value.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 does not exclude the lowest value and the highest value among the distance values or a predetermined number of distance values measured during a predetermined time, and sets the average value of all distance values to the first distance. It can also be used as the distance value from the detection module 1410 to the by-product. For example, the food waste processor 1000 provides an average value of distance values measured over a predetermined period of time by the first distance detection module 1410 or an average value of a predetermined number of distance values measured by the first distance detection module 1410. 1 It can be obtained as the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product.

Meanwhile, the food waste processor 1000 may use a median value instead of an average value. For example, the food waste processor 1000 may select the middle value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest and highest values among the distance values measured for a predetermined time or one of the predetermined number of distance values measured by the first distance detection module 1410. The middle value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest and highest values may be obtained as the distance value from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distance detection module 1410 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200. In the storage container 1310, by-products accumulate in a peak shape around the transfer pipe 1200. In the case of an optical sensor, if it is mounted on the transfer pipe 1200, false detection occurs due to foreign matter. Therefore, in order to prevent false detection due to foreign matter, the first distance detection module 1410 may be mounted at a distance from the transfer pipe 1200. Since the by-products are piled up in a peak shape around the transfer pipe 1200, the straight line distance to the by-product measured by the first distance detection module 1410 disposed at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200 is the transfer pipe 1200. It may be longer than the straight line distance from the bottom to the peak of the by-product.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distance detection module 1410 is disposed on the storage container cover 1320 at a predetermined angle (hereinafter also referred to as a 'tilting angle') in the direction in which the transfer pipe 1200 is located. It may be possible. In this case, since the sensor unit 1401 of the first distance detection module 1410 may be directed to the by-product peak, the food waste processor 1000 uses the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product to detect the by-product. The loading height of the peak can be identified.

In step S820, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the distance measured through the first distance detection module 1410 (hereinafter, also referred to as 'measured distance') with the threshold distance. The threshold distance may be a preset distance to provide notification related to emptying of by-products. For example, the critical distance is measured by the first distance detection module 1410 when the distance between the peak of the by-product and the upper part of the storage container 1310 (storage container cover 1320) has a predetermined value (e.g., 10 to 20 mm). It may be the distance to possible by-products. The threshold distance can be varied by the user or administrator.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the critical distance may be determined in advance through experiment or the like. For example, the critical distance is the shape in which the by-product is piled up (e.g., gently, sloping, etc.), the moving speed of the by-product, the separation distance between the first distance detection module 1410 and the transfer pipe 1200, or the first distance detection. It may be predetermined by at least one of the tilting angles of the module 1410. The more inclined the by-products are piled up, the longer the critical distance can be, and the more gently the by-products are piled up, the shorter the critical distance can be. As the distance between the first distance detection module 1410 and the transfer pipe 1200 increases, the critical distance may become longer. As the tilting angle of the first distance detection module 1410 increases, the critical distance may become shorter.

In step S830, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 (hereinafter referred to as 'measured distance'), the food waste processor 1000 is less than or equal to the threshold distance. , a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 can be output.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may provide a notification to empty the by-products in the storage container 1310 to the user through the output interface of the food waste processor 1000. For example, the food waste processor 1000 outputs a guide voice to empty the storage container 1310 through an audio output unit (e.g., a speaker), or a predetermined sound indicating that the storage container 1310 is full of by-products. Sound can be output. Additionally, the food waste disposer 1000 may output a message to empty the by-products of the storage container 1310 through a display (e.g., LCD), and may display an image indicating that the storage container 1310 is full of by-products (e.g., icon) can also be displayed. Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may flash an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp in a specific color to indicate that the storage container 1310 needs to be emptied of by-products.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste disposer 1000 may output a notification related to emptying of by-products of the storage container 1310 through a user terminal connected to the food waste disposer 1000. The operation of outputting a notification on the user terminal will be examined in detail later with reference to FIG. 11.

The food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product reaches the critical distance, By outputting a notification, it is possible to prevent by-products automatically transferred through the transfer pipe 1200 from overflowing from the storage container 1310.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the state of the by-product in the storage container 1310 according to the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product will be examined.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a case where the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to a by-product exceeds a threshold distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a case where the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product reaches the critical distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating a case where the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than the critical distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the first distance sensing module 1410 may be installed horizontally on the storage container cover 1320. At this time, the threshold distance for the first distance detection module 1410 may be set so that a notification is output when the distance from the lower part of the transfer pipe 1200 to the peak of the by-product is 10 to 20 mm. For example, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured is 90 mm, and the distance from the lower part of the transfer pipe 1200 to the by-product peak is 10 to 20 mm, the critical distance can be set to 90 mm. there is. In FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the case where the critical distance is 90 mm is explained as an example, but it is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product may be 100 mm and may be greater than the critical distance of 90 mm (911). At this time, the distance from the lower part of the transfer pipe 1200 to the peak of the by-product may be 30 mm. When the measurement distance is 100 mm, the user can check that the by-products are not full through the transparent window 1312 of the storage container 1310 (912), and when the storage container cover 1320 is opened, the storage container 1310 actually appears. You can see that it is not full of by-products (913). Accordingly, the food waste disposer 1000 may not provide a notification related to emptying of the storage container 1310 with by-products when the measured distance (100 mm) is greater than the threshold distance (90 mm).

Referring to FIG. 9B, the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product may be 90 mm, and may reach the critical distance of 90 mm (921). At this time, the distance from the lower part of the transfer pipe 1200 to the peak of the by-product may be 20 mm. When the measurement distance is 90 mm, the user can check that the by-product is not full through the transparent window 1312 of the storage container 1310 (922). However, when the storage container cover 1320 is opened, it can be seen that the storage container 1310 is not full of by-products, but is quite full (923). Therefore, when the measured distance (90 mm) reaches the critical distance (90 mm) (i.e., when the measured distance is less than or equal to the critical distance), the food waste processor 1000 is used to prevent by-products from overflowing from the storage container 1310. , it is possible to provide a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310.

Referring to FIG. 9C, when the user does not empty the by-product of the storage container 1310 even though a notification related to emptying of the by-product of the storage container 1310 is provided, the distance to the by-product measured by the first distance detection module 1410 ( The measurement distance) is 80mm, which can be smaller than the critical distance of 90mm. Even when the measurement distance is 80 mm, the user can confirm that the by-product is not full through the transparent window 1312 of the storage container 1310 (932). However, when the storage container cover 1320 is opened, by-product overflow may occur near the transfer pipe 1200 (933). Accordingly, the food waste disposer 1000 may continue to provide notifications related to emptying of the storage container 1310 with by-products when the measured distance (80 mm) is smaller than the critical distance (90 mm).

The numbers in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are merely examples for explanation and are not limited thereto.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the first distance detection module 1410 tilted at a predetermined angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, since the by-products are piled up in the form of a mountain peak centered on the position of the transfer pipe 1200, the first distance detection module 1410 detects the loading height of the peak side of the by-products at a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as tilting). angle) can be tilted and mounted on the storage container cover 1320. The tilting angle of the first distance detection module 1410 takes into account the shape of by-product accumulation (e.g., gently, obliquely, etc.), the moving speed of the by-product, the separation distance between the first distance detection sensor and the transfer pipe 1200, etc. This can be decided. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may manually or automatically adjust the tilting angle of the first distance detection module 1410.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the peak of the by-product is about 10 to 20 mm from the top of the storage box, a threshold distance for the first distance detection module 1410 can be determined so that a notification related to emptying the by-product can be appropriately provided to the user. . The critical distance may vary depending on the tilting angle of the first distance detection module 1410. For example, as the tilting angle of the first distance detection module 1410 increases, the threshold distance may be set to be shorter.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 is configured to operate a storage container ( 1310) can provide a notification to empty the by-products. Therefore, it is possible to prevent peaks of by-products from overflowing into the transfer pipe 1200.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation of providing a notification related to emptying by-products of the storage container 1310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the food waste disposer 1000 sends a notification 1110 (e.g., storage container) related to emptying of by-products of the storage container 1310 through an output interface (e.g., display, sound output unit, etc.) of the food waste disposer 1000. emptying) can be provided. Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may provide a notification 1120 related to emptying of by-products of the storage container 1310 through the user terminal 3000 connected to the food waste processor 1000. At this time, the food waste processor 1000 may be indirectly connected to the user terminal 3000 through the server device 2000, or may be directly connected to the user terminal 3000 through short-distance communication.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server device 2000 may include a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The server device 2000 may communicate with the food waste processor 1000 or the user terminal 3000 through a communication interface. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste disposer 1000 transmits identification information of the food waste disposer 1000 or user identification information (login information, account information) to the server device 2000, and the food waste disposer 1000 ) or the user's identification information (eg, login information, account information) can be authenticated by the server device 2000 to access the server device 2000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server device 2000 may include an AI processor. AI processors can train artificial neural networks to create artificial intelligence models. ‘Learning’ an artificial neural network can mean creating a mathematical model that allows the connections of neurons that make up the artificial neural network to make optimal decisions while appropriately changing weights based on data.

The user terminal 3000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the server device 2000 and may be a device that displays information provided by the server device 2000. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal 3000 may transmit and receive information with the server device 2000 through a specific application (eg, a home appliance management application) installed on the user terminal 3000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal 3000 may be a device connected to the server device 2000 with the same account information as the food waste processor 1000. The user terminal 3000 may be directly connected to the food waste disposer 1000 through a short-range wireless communication channel, or may be indirectly connected to the food waste disposer 1000 through the server device 2000.

The user terminal 3000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms. For example, the user terminal 3000 described in this disclosure may be a mobile terminal, a refrigerator including a display, a TV, a computer, an oven including a display, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, mobile terminals include smart phones, laptop computers, tablet PCs, digital cameras, e-book terminals, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), navigation, There may be an MP3 player, etc., but it is not limited to this. For example, a mobile terminal may include a wearable device that can be worn by a user. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where the user terminal 3000 is a smartphone will be described as an example.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal 3000 may execute a specific application (eg, a home appliance management application) provided by the server device 2000 based on user input. In this case, the user can check the operating status of the food waste processor 1000 (e.g., grinding, drying, power off, etc.), the by-product status of the storage container 1310 (e.g., by-product emptying notification, by-product emptying notification, etc.) through the execution window of the application. loading capacity), etc. For example, if the distance to the by-product measured by the first distance detection module 1410 of the food waste processor 1000 is within the threshold distance, the food waste processor 1000 provides notification information related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310. can be transmitted to the server device 2000. At this time, the server device 2000 may output a notification (e.g., please empty the storage container) related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 through the execution window of the application installed on the user terminal 3000. The user can check the notification related to emptying the by-product displayed in the application execution window of the user terminal 3000 and empty the by-product in the storage container 1310 in a timely manner.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of outputting a notification related to emptying of by-products of a storage container using the second distance detection module 1420 or a capacitance sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 12 , the case where the food waste processor 1000 further includes a second distance detection module 1420 or a capacitance sensor in addition to the first distance detection module 1410 will be described as an example.

In step S1210, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure measures the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310 through the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the storage container cover 1320. can do. In step S1220, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the distance measured through the first distance detection module 1410 with the threshold distance. The threshold distance may be a preset distance to provide notification related to emptying of by-products. In step S1230, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, A notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 can be output. That is, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the critical distance, the food waste processor 1000 indicates that the loading height of the by-product has reached the critical height. As a result, a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 can be output. Since steps S1210 to S1230 correspond to steps S810 to S830 of FIG. 8, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In step S1240, if the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is longer than the threshold distance (NO in S1220), the food waste processor 1000 It may be determined whether by-products are detected in the distance detection module 1420 or the capacitance sensor.

For example, the food waste processor 1000 may determine whether a peak of a by-product is detected in the second distance detection module 1420 disposed on one side of the storage container 1310. Alternatively, the food waste processor 1000 may determine whether by-products are detected by a capacitance sensor disposed below the outer peripheral surface of the transfer pipe 1200.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is longer than the threshold distance (NO in S1220), and the by-product is detected by the second distance detection module 1420 or the capacitive sensor. If this is not detected (NO in S1240), since there is space in the storage container 1310 to accommodate the by-products, the food waste processor 1000 may not provide a notification related to emptying the by-products.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the distance to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is greater than the threshold distance (NO in S1220), the second distance detection module 1420 or the capacitance sensor When by-products are detected (YES in S1240), since the peak of the by-products has reached the vicinity of the transfer pipe 1200, the food waste processor 1000 may provide a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310. (S1230). For example, if by-products are stacked at a very slope, the difference between the loading height of both ends of the by-product and the loading height of the peak of the by-product may be large. At this time, even if the distance to the by-product measured by the first distance detection module 1410 installed at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200 does not reach the critical distance, the second distance disposed slightly below the storage container cover 1320 A capacitance sensor disposed on the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the detection module 1420 or the transfer pipe 1200 can detect the peak of the by-product. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the peak of the by-product is detected in the second distance detection module 1420 or the capacitance sensor, the food waste processor 1000 sends a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310. By providing this, it is possible to prevent by-products from overflowing near the transfer pipe 1200.

13 and 14, when the food waste processor 1000 detects by-products in the second distance detection module 1420 or the capacitance sensor, the food waste disposer 1000 performs an operation of providing a notification related to emptying of the by-products in the storage container 1310. Let's look at this a little more.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the second distance detection module 1420 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the food waste disposer 1000 may additionally include a second distance detection module 1420 in addition to the first distance detection module 1410. The first distance detection module 1410 may be placed on the storage container cover 1320 to seal the top of the storage container 1310, and the sensor unit 1401 of the first distance detection module 1410 may face downward. You can. On the other hand, the second distance detection module 1420 may be placed on one side of the storage container 1310, and the sensor unit 1401 of the second distance detection module 1420 may be placed toward the storage container 1310. You can. For example, when the second distance detection module 1420 is disposed on the right side of the storage container 1310, the sensor unit 1401 of the second distance detection module 1420 may face to the left.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second distance detection module 1420 may be located a predetermined distance d below the storage container cover 1320. For example, if the food waste processor 1000 is designed to provide a notification when the shortest distance between the peak of the by-product and the storage container cover 1320 is 10 to 20 mm, the second distance detection module 1420 is configured to detect the storage container cover 1320. It can be installed 10 to 20 mm below (1320). That is, the second distance detection module 1420 may be located at the loading height of the by-product for which notification is to be provided.

Accordingly, the second distance detection module 1420 can detect by-products accumulating above the height at which the second distance detection module 1420 is located. When the food waste processor 1000 detects the by-product through the second distance detection module 1420, the loading height of the peak of the by-product exceeds the critical height, so it sends a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310. can be provided. In addition, the food waste processor 1000 has an opening and closing unit to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to block the by-products newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 from being discharged into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200. (1106) can be controlled. The food waste processor 1000 may control the processing assembly 1100 so that the processing assembly 1100 does not dry or grind the food. The operation of the food waste processor 1000 to control the opening/closing unit 1106 or the processing assembly 1100 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 15A to 18 .

In FIG. 13 , the food waste disposer 1000 includes the first distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420 as an example, but the case is not limited thereto, and the food waste disposer 1000 includes the first distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420. It may include only one of the distance detection module 1410 and the second distance detection module 1420.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the capacitance sensor 1430 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may additionally include a capacitance sensor 1430 in addition to the first distance detection module 1410. The capacitance sensor 1430 may be provided on the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the transfer pipe 1200. In this case, the capacitance sensor 1430 may detect the peak of the by-product when the peak of the by-product approaches the transfer pipe 1200 as the by-product is gradually loaded into the storage container 1310. The capacitance sensor 1430 may be a non-contact touch sensor. The capacitance sensor 1430 can detect the change in capacitance (capacitance) when there is no by-product and when there is no by-product, and can determine whether the by-product is present. The voltage output from the capacitance sensor 1430 changes depending on the capacitance value (capacitance value).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor 1430 is located below the outer peripheral surface of the transfer pipe 1200, so when the capacitance sensor 1430 detects by-products, the storage container 1310 is filled with by-products. It can mean cold. Accordingly, the food waste processor 1000 can identify that the storage container 1310 is full of by-products through the capacitance sensor 1430.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the food waste processor 1000 identifies that the storage container 1310 is full of by-products through the capacitance sensor 1430, it sends a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310. can be provided. In addition, the food waste processor 1000 has an opening and closing unit to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to block the by-products newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 from being discharged into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200. (1106) can be controlled. The food waste processor 1000 may control the processing assembly 1100 so that the processing assembly 1100 does not dry or grind the food. The operation of the food waste processor 1000 to control the opening/closing unit 1106 or the processing assembly 1100 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 15A to 18 .

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may include a plurality of capacitance sensors 1430. For example, the food waste processor 1000 may include a first capacitance sensor, a second capacitance sensor, and a third capacitance sensor along the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the transfer pipe 1200. At this time, when by-products are detected in at least one of the first capacitance sensor, the second capacitance sensor, and the third capacitance sensor, the food waste processor 1000 provides a notification related to emptying of the by-products of the storage container 1310 or , the operation of the opening/closing unit 1106 or the processing assembly 1100 can be controlled.

In FIG. 14 , the food waste disposer 1000 includes the first distance detection module 1410 and the capacitance sensor 1430 as an example, but the case is not limited thereto, and the food waste disposer 1000 includes the first distance detection module 1410 and the capacitance sensor 1430. It may include only one of the module 1410 and the capacitance sensor 1430.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the opening and closing of the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 by the food waste processor 1000 to prevent by-products automatically transferred through the transfer pipe 1200 from overflowing from the storage container 1310 will be described. Let's take a look with reference to 15a.

FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining a method of controlling the opening and closing of an outlet of the processing assembly 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S1510, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure measures the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310 through the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the storage container cover 1320. can do. In step S1520, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the distance measured through the first distance detection module 1410 with the threshold distance. The threshold distance may be a preset distance to provide notification regarding emptying of by-product or to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100. In step S1530, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance ( YES in S1520), a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310 can be output. That is, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the critical distance, the food waste processor 1000 indicates that the loading height of the by-product has reached the critical height. As a result, a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 can be output. Since steps S1510 to S1530 correspond to steps S810 to S830 of FIG. 8, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In step S1540, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is less than or equal to the threshold distance ( YES in S1520), the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be closed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the critical distance, the by-product newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 is transferred to the transfer pipe 1200. ), the opening/closing unit 1106 can be controlled to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to block discharge into the storage container 1310.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the opening/closing unit 1106 may include a ball valve 1601. The ball valve 1601 in the opening/closing portion 1106 can be locked or opened by the driving device 1600. For example, when the ball valve key 1602 is arranged horizontally with the transfer pipe 1200 by the driving device 1600 (1610), the ball valve 1601 can be locked (1620). On the other hand, when the ball valve key 1602 is arranged perpendicular to the transfer pipe 1200 by the driving device 1600 (1710), the ball valve 1601 can be opened (1720).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the food waste processor 1000 processes the food waste even if the generation of a new by-product is completed in the processing assembly 1100. The opening/closing unit 1106 can be controlled to keep the outlet of the assembly 1100 closed rather than opening it. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, while the newly generated by-product in the processing assembly 1100 is automatically transferred to the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200, the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is When the distance reaches the critical distance, the food waste processor 1000 may control the opening/closing unit 1106 to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 even if the transfer of the by-product is not completed. For example, at least one processor 1500 of the food waste processor 1000 sends a control signal to the driving device 1600 to rotate the ball valve key 1602 disposed perpendicular to the transfer pipe 1200 by 90 degrees. can be transmitted to.

In step S1550, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is longer than the threshold distance. (NO in S1520), the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be opened.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a by-product is newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 and the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is longer than the threshold distance, the by-product is stored in the storage container 1310. There may be space to do so. Accordingly, the food waste processor 1000 may open the discharge port of the processing assembly 1100 so that by-products newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 are discharged into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200.

For example, a control signal to rotate the ball valve key 1602 horizontally disposed on the transfer pipe 1200 by 90 degrees may be transmitted to the driving device 1600. At this time, as the ball bulb key 1602 is placed vertically in the transfer pipe 1200, the ball valve 1601 opens and the by-products in the receiving part 1101 of the processing assembly 1100 pass through the transfer pipe 1200 into the storage container. It can be transferred to (1310).

Meanwhile, in Figure 15a, the case where the critical distance for generating a notification and the critical distance for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 (opening and closing the upper part of the transfer pipe 1200) are the same has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this. no. The critical distance for generating a notification (referred to as first critical distance) and the critical distance for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 (opening and closing of the upper part of the transfer pipe 1200) are different. In this case, the operation method of the food waste disposer 1000 will be examined with reference to FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining a method of controlling the opening and closing of an outlet of the processing assembly 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S1511, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure measures the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310 through the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the storage container cover 1320. can do. Since step S1511 corresponds to S810 in FIG. 8, detailed description will be omitted.

In step S1521, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the distance measured through the first distance detection module 1410 with the first threshold distance. The first threshold distance may be a preset distance to provide notification related to emptying of by-products. Since step S1521 corresponds to S820 in FIG. 8, detailed description will be omitted.

In step S1531, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines that the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is longer than the first threshold distance. If (NO in S1520), the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be opened.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a by-product is newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 and the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is longer than the first threshold distance, the by-product is stored in the storage container 1310. There may be free space to accommodate . Accordingly, the food waste processor 1000 may open the discharge port of the processing assembly 1100 so that by-products newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 are discharged into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200.

In step S1541, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines that the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is less than or equal to the first threshold distance. In this case (YES in S1521), a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310 may be output. That is, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the first threshold distance, the food waste processor 1000 sets the loading height of the by-product to the notification generation height. Since has been reached, a notification related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310 can be output.

In step S1551, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the distance measured through the first distance detection module 1410 with the second threshold distance. The second critical distance may be a preset distance to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100. The second threshold distance may be smaller than the first threshold distance.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the first threshold distance (YES in S1521), but is less than or equal to the second threshold distance. If it is longer than the distance (NO in S1551), the food waste processor 1000 may output a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 and open the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 (S1531). That is, if the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is between the first critical distance and the second critical distance, emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310 Although this is a suitable time, there may be some space left in the storage container 1310 to accommodate by-products. Accordingly, the food waste processor 1000 may control the opening/closing unit 1106 to open the discharge port of the processing assembly 1100.

In step S1561, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines that the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is less than or equal to the second threshold distance. If (YES in S1551), the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be closed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the second threshold distance, the by-product newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 is transferred to the transfer pipe. The opening/closing unit 1106 may be controlled to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to block discharge into the storage container 1310 through 1200 . That is, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the second critical distance, which is shorter than the first critical distance, the food waste processor 1000 no longer has a space for accommodating the by-product in the storage container 1310. There may not be. Accordingly, the food waste processor 1000 may control the opening/closing unit 1106 to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100.

Since step S1561 corresponds to step S1540 of FIG. 15A, redundant description will be omitted.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the storage container 1310 is full of by-products, the food waste processor 1000 closes the discharge port (or transfer pipe 1200) of the processing assembly 1100, thereby allowing the by-products to It is possible to prevent overflow from the storage container 1310.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may control the food waste processing operation of the processing assembly 1100 when the storage container 1310 is full of by-products. A method by which the food waste processor 1000 controls the food waste processing operation of the processing assembly 1100 will be examined in detail with reference to FIG. 18 .

In step S1810, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may receive a user input requesting food waste processing. For example, the user may open the top cover of the food waste disposer 1000, put food into the receiving part 1101, and then select the power button (or operation start button).

In step S1820, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may measure the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the storage container cover 1320 to the by-product. Since step S1820 corresponds to S810 of FIG. 8, detailed description will be omitted.

In step S1830, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may compare the distance measured through the first distance detection module 1410 with the threshold distance. The threshold distance may be a preset distance to provide notification related to by-product emptying or to stop processing operations of the processing assembly 1100.

In step S1840, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance ( YES in S1830), the food processing operation is not performed, and a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 may be provided.

For example, if the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than the critical distance, the loading height of the by-product has reached the notification generation height, and the food waste processor 1000 may control the processing assembly 1100 not to perform a food processing operation (eg, grinding, stirring, drying, heating, etc.) even if a user input requesting food processing is received. Instead, the food waste processor 1000 may output a notification related to emptying the storage container 1310 of by-products.

Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the storage container 1310 is full of by-products, the food waste processor 1000 may stop processing the food until the storage container 1310 is emptied.

In step S1850, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is longer than the threshold distance. (NO in S1520), the processing assembly 1100 may be controlled to perform food processing operations (e.g., grinding, stirring, drying, heating, etc.).

In step S1860, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines that the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the first distance detection module 1410 is longer than the first threshold distance. In the case (NO in S1520), when food processing is completed in the processing assembly 1100, the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be opened.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 provides information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 based on the distance information measured by the first distance detection module 1410. You can. Referring to FIG. 19, we will take a closer look at how the food waste processor 1000 provides information about the loading amount of by-products.

In step S1910, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure measures the distance to the by-product in the storage container 1310 through the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the storage container cover 1320. can do. Since step S1910 corresponds to S810 in FIG. 8, detailed description will be omitted.

In step S1920, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may identify the loading amount of the by-product in the storage container 1310 based on the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product. . Since the first distance detection module 1410 is located at the top of the storage container 1310, the longer the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product, the smaller the amount of by-product loaded, and the The shorter the distance to the by-product, the higher the by-product loading.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may provide a table defining the correlation between the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product and the loading amount of the by-product, or a table defining the correlation between the measured distance and the loading amount of the by-product. Using a graph showing the correlation, the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 can be identified.

Referring to FIG. 20, a table 2001 defining the correlation between the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product (measured distance) and the loading amount of the by-product may be stored in the memory of the food waste processor 1000. . According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 measures the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product and retrieves the loading amount or loading ratio corresponding to the measured distance from the table 2001. You can. For example, when the measurement distance is 240 mm, the food waste processor 1000 can obtain information from the table 2001 that the loading amount of by-products is 1L and the loading ratio is 25%. When the measurement distance is 180 mm, the food waste processor 1000 can obtain information from the table 2001 that the loading amount of by-products is 2L and the loading ratio is 50%. When the measurement distance is 80 mm, the food waste processor 1000 can obtain information from the table 2001 that the loading amount of by-products is 4L and the loading ratio is 100%.

In step S1930, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide information regarding the loading amount (or loading ratio) of by-products.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may provide information about the loading amount (or loading ratio) of by-products to the user through the output interface of the food waste processor 1000. For example, the food waste processor 1000 may output a voice indicating the current loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through an audio output unit (e.g., speaker). Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may display text or an image indicating the loading amount (or loading ratio) of by-products through a display (eg, LCD). Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may blink LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps in the number corresponding to the loading amount (or loading ratio), or may flash the LED lamps in a color corresponding to the loading amount (or loading ratio).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may provide information regarding the storage capacity within the storage container 1310. For example, if the total capacity of the by-product that can be accommodated in the storage container 1310 is 4L, and the current load of the by-product identified based on the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is 1L, the food The processor 1000 can display 3L (75%) as the storage capacity on the display.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may output information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through the user terminal 3000 connected to the food waste processor 1000. For example, the food waste processor 1000 may transmit information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 to the server device 2000. At this time, the server device 2000 displays information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 (e.g., 1L, 25%) or storage capacity (e.g., 3L) through the execution window of the application installed on the user terminal 3000. , 75%) can be output. The user can check the loading amount of the by-product displayed in the application execution window of the user terminal 3000 and empty the by-product in the storage container 1310 in time.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 19 , the table 2001 defining the correlation between the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product (measured distance) and the loading amount of the by-product is explained as an example where the table 2001 is stored in the food waste processor 1000. , but is not limited to this. The table 2001 may be stored in the memory of the server device 2000. When the table 2001 is stored in the memory of the server device 2000, the server device 2000 can identify the loading amount of the by-product in the storage container 1310. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 21, we will take a closer look at how the server device 2000 identifies the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which the server device 2000 identifies the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S2110, the food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure detects the storage container from the first distance detection module 1410 through the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the storage container cover 1320. (1310) The distance to my by-product can be measured.

In step S2120, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may transmit information about the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product to the server device 2000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may transmit information about the measured distance to the server device 2000 through long-distance communication (eg, Wi-Fi communication). The food waste processor 1000 may transmit information about the measured distance to the server device 2000 at a predetermined cycle, and each time the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is measured, the food waste processor 1000 transmits information about the measured distance to the server device 2000. (2000). Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may transmit information about the measured distance to the server device 2000 when there is a request from the server device 2000.

In step S2130, when receiving information about the measurement distance from the food waste processor 1000, the server device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure measures the distance (measurement) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product. Based on the distance), the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 can be identified.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server device 2000 includes a table 2001 defining the correlation between the measured distance and the loading amount of the by-product stored in the memory of the server device 2000, or the correlation between the measured distance and the loading amount of the by-product. Using a graph representing , the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 can be identified.

For example, referring to FIG. 20, when the measurement distance is 240 mm, the server device 2000 can obtain information from the table 2001 that the loading amount of by-products is 1L and the loading ratio is 25%. When the measurement distance is 180 mm, the server device 2000 can obtain information from the table 2001 that the loading amount of the by-product is 2L and the loading ratio is 50%. When the measurement distance is 80 mm, the server device 2000 can obtain information from the table 2001 that the loading amount of the by-product is 4L and the loading ratio is 100%.

In step S2140, the server device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may transmit information about the loading amount of the by-product to the user terminal 3000.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the server device 2000 informs the user terminal 3000 of the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through a specific application (e.g., home appliance management application) installed on the user terminal 3000. Information can be transmitted.

In step S2150, the user terminal 3000 may output information about the loading amount of the by-product received from the server device 2000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal 3000 may display information about the loading amount (or loading ratio) of by-products through an execution window of a specific application (eg, a home appliance management application). For example, the user terminal 3000 may display text or an image indicating the loading amount on the execution window of the application. The user terminal 3000 may output information about the loading amount or loading ratio as a voice through an audio output unit (eg, a speaker).

In step S2160, the server device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may transmit information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 to the food waste processor 1000.

In step S2170, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may output information about the loading amount of by-products received from the server device 2000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 may provide information about the loading amount (or loading ratio) of by-products to the user through the output interface of the food waste processor 1000. For example, the food waste processor 1000 may output a voice indicating the current loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through an audio output unit (e.g., speaker). Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may display text or an image indicating the loading amount (or loading ratio) of by-products through a display (eg, LCD). The food waste processor 1000 may blink LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps in the number corresponding to the loading amount (or loading ratio), or may flash the LED lamps in a color corresponding to the loading amount (or loading ratio).

Referring to FIG. 22, let's take a closer look at the operation of the food waste processor 1000 or the user terminal 3000 to provide information about the loading amount of by-products.

Figure 22 is a diagram for explaining an operation of providing information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to 2210 of FIG. 22, the food waste processor 1000 may provide information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through an output interface. For example, if the total capacity of the by-product that can be accommodated in the storage container 1310 is 4L, and the current load of the by-product identified based on the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is 1L, the food The processor 1000 may display text indicating the load percentage (e.g., 25%) and an icon indicating the load amount on the display. Therefore, even without opening the storage container 1310, the user can easily recognize the current loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 according to the information displayed on the display.

Referring to 2220 of FIG. 22, when the user executes a specific application related to the food waste processor 1000, the user terminal 3000 displays information about the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through the execution window of the application. It can be provided to the user. For example, if the total capacity of the by-product that can be accommodated in the storage container 1310 is 4 L, and the current load of the by-product identified based on the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is 1 L, the user The terminal 3000 may display text indicating the loading amount (e.g., 1L), text indicating the loading ratio (e.g., 25%), and an icon indicating the loading amount in the application execution window. The user can intuitively recognize the current loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 through the application execution window.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining whether measurement data is abnormal data based on additional information of the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S2310, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may acquire measurement data including the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product. For example, at least one processor 1500 of the food waste processor 1000 may receive measurement data from the MCU 1402 of the first distance detection module 1410.

In step S2320, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure acquires additional information including at least one of a signal return value, a lighting recognition return value, or a status code from the first distance detection module 1410. can do. For example, at least one processor 1500 of the food waste processor 1000 measures at least one of a signal return value, a lighting recognition return value, or a status code from the MCU 1402 of the first distance detection module 1410. It can be received along with data.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an air gap occurs, the light emitted from the light emitting unit causes diffuse reflection, so the light intensity at the light receiving unit may be lowered, thereby lowering the signal return value. Accordingly, when the signal return value is low, the probability of false detection by the first distance detection module 1410 may increase.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a light source (eg, IR light source) comes on other than the time when the sensor unit 1401 transmits and receives signals, the lighting recognition return value may increase. Since a high lighting recognition value means that the noise signal increases, the higher the lighting recognition value, the higher the probability of false detection by the first distance detection module 1410.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distance detection module 1410 outputs '0' as a status code in a normal state, and outputs a value other than 0 as a status code in an abnormal state (error state). You can. For example, when the signal is low, calibration is not performed accurately, or there is an error in the main body of the first distance detection module 1410, the MCU 1402 of the first distance detection module 1410 displays an error other than 0. The code value can be output as a status code.

In step S2330, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine whether the measured data is abnormal data based on additional information.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the signal return value is less than a threshold value, at least one processor 1500 of the food waste processor 1000 may determine the measured data to be abnormal data. For example, when the signal return value output from the first distance detection module 1410 is 50% or less of the reference signal return value, at least one processor 1500 of the food waste processor 1000, the first distance detection module ( 1410) measurement data can be judged as abnormal data. The reference signal return value may be a signal return value output when the first distance detection module 1410 normally measures the distance.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the lighting recognition value output from the first distance detection module 1410 exceeds the reference lighting recognition value, the at least one processor 1500 of the food waste processor 1000 detects the first lighting recognition value. The measured data of the distance detection module 1410 may be determined to be abnormal data. The reference lighting recognition value may be a lighting recognition value output when the first distance detection module 1410 normally measures the distance.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the status code output from the first distance detection module 1410 is '0', at least one processor 1500 of the food waste disposer 1000 operates the first distance detection module ( The measurement data of the first distance detection module 1410 may be determined as normal data, and if the status code is not '0', the measurement data of the first distance detection module 1410 may be determined as abnormal data.

In step S2340, if the measured data is abnormal data (YES in S2340), the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may re-acquire the measured data from the first distance detection module 1400 (YES in S2340). S2310).

In step S2350, when the measured data is normal data (NO in S2340), the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines that the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is It can be determined whether the distance is below the critical distance.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste processor 1000 is related to emptying the by-product of the storage container 1310 when the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is longer than the critical distance. Food disposal operations can be performed without providing a notification. Additionally, the food waste processor 1000 may open the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 after the food waste processing operation is completed and automatically transfer by-products newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 to the storage container 1310.

In step S2360, when the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the critical distance, the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure empties the by-product from the storage container 1310. You can output notifications related to .

In addition, when the distance (measured distance) from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than the threshold distance, the food waste processor 1000 stops the food waste processing operation or discards the by-product newly generated in the processing assembly 1100. The outlet of the processing assembly 1100 may be closed to prevent transfer to the storage container 1310.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the food waste disposer 1000 provides measurement data of the first distance detection module 1410 based on additional information including at least one of a signal return value, a lighting recognition return value, or a status code. By determining whether is abnormal data, it is possible to prevent incorrectly providing a notification related to emptying by-products or incorrectly stopping the food processing operation due to misdetection by the first distance detection module 1400.

Meanwhile, so far, the operation of the food waste disposer 1000 providing a notification using the distance detection module 1400 has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, other home appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, etc.) may also provide notifications or control operations using the distance detection module 1400.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a vacuum cleaner device 4000 that provides a dust bag replacement notification using the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 24, a vacuum cleaner device 4000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a wireless cleaner 4100 and a station device 4200. However, not all of the components shown in FIG. 24 are essential components. The cleaner device 4000 may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 24, or the cleaner device 4000 may be implemented with fewer components.

The wireless cleaner 4100 may refer to a vacuum cleaner that has a built-in rechargeable battery and does not need to connect a power cord to an outlet during cleaning. The user can use the handle mounted on the cleaner body to move the cordless cleaner 4100 back and forth and have the brush device (cleaner head) suck up dust or foreign substances (e.g. dust, hair, trash) from the surface being cleaned. . Foreign substances sucked from the surface to be cleaned through the brush device may be collected in the dust bin (4101, also called dust collection bin) of the cleaner main body. The wireless cleaner 4100 may include a suction motor that creates a vacuum inside the wireless cleaner 4100. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the suction motor of the wireless vacuum cleaner 4100 may be expressed as a first suction motor. The wireless cleaner 4100 may include a communication interface for communicating with the station device 4200. For example, the wireless cleaner 4100 may transmit and receive data with the station device 4200 through a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The cleaner main body may further include at least one processor, a memory storing software related to control of the wireless cleaner 4100, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The station device 4200 may be a device for discharging dust, charging the battery, or storing the wireless cleaner 4100. Station device 4200 may also be represented as a clean station. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device 4200 may communicate with the wireless cleaner 4100 or the server device 2000 through a network (NET). For example, the station device 4200 may transmit and receive data with the wireless cleaner 4100 through a wireless local area network (WPAN) without an access point (AP). The station device 4200 connects a local area network (LAN) to which the station device 4200 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server device 2000 is connected via an access point (AP). Data may also be transmitted and received with the server device 2000. For example, the station device 4200 may be connected to the wireless cleaner 4100 through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication and may be connected to the server device 2000 through Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) communication. However, it is not limited to this.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device 4200 may include a communication interface, at least one processor, a suction motor (hereinafter referred to as a second suction motor), and a collection unit 4102, but is limited thereto. It doesn't work. The second suction motor may be a device that generates suction force to discharge foreign substances collected in the dust bin 4101 of the wireless cleaner 4100 from the wireless cleaner 4100. For example, the second suction motor may generate a pressure difference inside the dust bin 4101. The second suction motor may be located lower than the collection unit 4102 when the station device 4200 is erected.

The collection unit 4102 is a space where foreign substances discharged from the dust bin 4101 of the cleaner main body can be collected. The collection unit 4102 may include a dust bag that collects foreign substances discharged from the dust bin 4101. The dust bag is made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow foreign matter to pass through, so that foreign matter flowing from the dust bin 4101 to the collection unit 4102 can be collected. The dust bag may be provided to be detachable from the collection unit 4102. The station device 4200 may include an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the collection unit 4102. The ultraviolet irradiation unit may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps.

Referring to 2410 of FIG. 24, after using the wireless cleaner 4100, the user can mount (dock) the wireless cleaner 4100 on the station device 4200. The station device 4200 may determine that the wireless cleaner 4100 is mounted on the station device 4200 using a docking detection sensor. The docking detection sensor may be a Tunnel Magneto-Resistance (TMR) sensor, but is not limited thereto. When the user places the cleaner body on the station device 4200, the distance between the magnetic material attached to the dust bin 4101 of the cleaner body and the docking detection sensor becomes closer, and the docking detection sensor can detect the magnetic substance attached to the dust bin 4101. You can. When the docking detection sensor detects a magnetic material, the station device 4200 can identify that the wireless vacuum cleaner 4100 is mounted.

Referring to 2410 of FIG. 24, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when mounting of the wireless cleaner 4100 on the station device 4200 is completed, the station device 4200 is placed at the top of the collection unit 4102. The distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the foreign matter in the collection unit 4102 can be measured using the detection module 1400. Since the distance detection module 1400 is placed at the top of the collection unit 4102, the shorter the distance measured by the distance detection module 1400, the greater the amount of foreign matter loaded in the collection unit 4102.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the distance measured by the distance detection module 1400 is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the station device 4200 does not open the cover of the dust bin 4101 included in the wireless vacuum cleaner 4100. , can provide notifications related to dust bag replacement. That is, if the distance measured by the distance detection module 1400 is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the station device 4200 determines that the dust bag is full of foreign matter, does not perform a dust discharge operation, and notifies the dust bag replacement. can be provided.

Referring to 2500-1 of FIG. 25, when the distance measured by the distance detection module 1400 is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the station device 4200 sends information to replace the dust bag of the station device 4200 via short-range wireless communication ( It can be transmitted to the wireless cleaner (4100) through (e.g. BLE communication). At this time, the wireless cleaner 4100 may control the output interface (eg, LCD) to output a notification to replace the dust bag of the station device 4200. The user can check the notification of the wireless cleaner 4100 and replace the dust bag of the station device 4200.

Referring to 2500-2 of FIG. 25, the station device 4200 may transmit information that the dust bag needs to be replaced to the server device 2000 through long-distance communication (eg, Wi-Fi communication). At this time, the server device 2000 may transmit information to replace the dust bag of the station device 4200 to the user terminal 3000 registered with the same account as the station device 4200. Based on the information received from the server device 2000, the user terminal 3000 may output a notification to replace the dust bag on the execution window of the application.

Referring to 2500-3 of FIG. 25, the station device 4200 may control a status indicator (eg, LED) to output a color (eg, red) indicating that the dust bag is full. The user may recognize that the dust bag needs to be replaced when the status indicator light on the station device 4200 changes to red.

Meanwhile, if the distance measured by the distance detection module 1400 is longer than the threshold distance, the station device 4200 may control the step motor to open the cover of the dust bin 4101 included in the wireless vacuum cleaner 4100. . After the cover of the dust bin 4101 is opened, a dust discharge operation can be performed to discharge the dust in the dust bin 4101 to the collection unit 4102. That is, if the distance measured by the distance detection module 1400 is longer than the critical distance, the station device 4200 determines that there is space left in the collection unit 4102 to accommodate foreign substances, and performs the dust discharge operation automatically or manually. It can be done with

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator 5000 that controls ice production using the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The refrigerator 5000 according to one embodiment may include a main body.

The “main body” may include an inner box, an outer box disposed on the outside of the inner box, and an insulating material provided between the inner box and the outer box.

The “inner box” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner that forms the storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The “outer case” may form the exterior of the main body and may be joined to the outside of the inner case such that an insulating material is disposed between the inner case and the outer case.

The “insulation material” can insulate the inside and outside of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the environment outside the storage room. According to one embodiment, the insulation material may include a foam insulation material. A foam insulation material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner and outer wounds.

According to one embodiment, the insulation material may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation material, or the insulation material may be composed of only a vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation material. The vacuum insulator may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior with a vacuum or a pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

“Storage room” may include a space defined by an internal container. The storage compartment may further include an inner box that defines a space corresponding to the storage compartment. A variety of items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, can be stored in the storage room, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for loading and unloading goods.

The refrigerator 5000 may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator 5000, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned off from each other by a partition wall containing an insulating material.

The storage room may be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the purpose, and may include a “refrigerator room,” “freezer room,” or “alternate temperature room” classified according to the use and/or temperature range. The refrigerator compartment can be maintained at an appropriate temperature for refrigerating products, and the freezer compartment can be maintained at an appropriate temperature for frozen storage of products. “Refrigeration” can mean cooling items to the point where they are not frozen, for example, a refrigerated room can be maintained in the range of 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. “Freezing” can mean freezing or cooling an item to remain frozen, for example, a freezer may be maintained in a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The alternate temperature room can be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

The storage room may be called by various names such as "vegetable room", "fresh room", "cooling room", and "ice-making room" in addition to names such as "refrigerator room", "freezer room", and "cold storage room", and is used hereinafter as "refrigerator room". Terms such as ", "freezing room" and "alternate temperature room" should be understood to encompass storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 5000 may include at least one door configured to open and close one open side of the storage compartment. A door may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidingly installed on the front of the main body.

The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, like the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer plate forming the front of the door, a door inner plate forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided inside them. there is.

A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner plate of the door to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward so that a door basket for storing items is mounted.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forms the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer plate that forms the front of the door body, a door inner plate that forms the rear of the door body and faces the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided inside them.

The refrigerator (5000) is a French Door Type, Side-by-Side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1 door depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment. It can be distinguished as a refrigerator (5000), etc.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 5000 may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to a storage compartment.

A “cold air supply device” may include a machine, appliance, electronic device, and/or a combination system capable of generating cold air and directing cold air to cool a storage compartment.

According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of the refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. Thermoelectric elements can cool the storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 5000 may include a machine room in which at least some parts belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

The “machine room” may be arranged to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from parts placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The inside of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the outside of the main body to dissipate heat from the components placed inside the machine room.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 5000 may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that the user can access it without opening the door.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 5000 may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator 5000.

The “control unit” includes a memory that stores or memorizes programs and/or data for controlling the refrigerator 5000, and a processor that outputs control signals for controlling cold air supply devices, etc. according to the programs and/or data stored in the memory. may include.

The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator 5000. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator 5000. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 5000. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator 5000 by executing a program stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of the artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processor (GPU), etc. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and/or data memorized/stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from a user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to a user input.

The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. A processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 5000 may include a processor and a memory that control all components included in the refrigerator 5000, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator 5000. there is. For example, the refrigerator 5000 may include a processor and memory that control the operation of the cold air supply device according to the output of the temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator 5000 may be separately equipped with a processor and memory that control the operation of the user interface according to user input.

The communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). An access repeater (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator 5000 or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator 5000 or the user device may be connected to the server through a wide area network (WAN).

The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, etc. The input interface can receive user input and pass it to the processor.

The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

Referring to FIG. 26, the refrigerator 5000 may further include an ice making device 5001 configured to produce ice. The ice making device 5001 may include an ice making tray that stores water, an ice moving device that separates ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket that stores ice generated in the ice making tray. There may be multiple ice buckets.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance detection module 1400 may be provided at the upper part of the ice making device 5001. When the ice maker 5001 includes a plurality of ice buckets for storing ice, a plurality of distance detection modules 1400 may be provided at the upper part of the ice maker 50001.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 measures the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the ice in the ice bucket using the distance detection module 1400 provided at the upper part of the ice making device 5001. can do. Since the distance detection module 1400 is provided at the upper part of the ice making device 5001, the shorter the measured distance, the greater the amount of ice loaded in the ice bucket. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 can identify the amount of ice loaded in the ice bucket based on the measured distance. Additionally, the refrigerator 5000 may provide information about the amount of ice loaded in the ice bucket to the user through an output interface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 may stop the ice-making operation of the ice-making device 5001 when the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the ice in the ice bucket is less than or equal to a critical distance. If the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the ice in the ice bucket is less than the threshold distance, the ice bucket may be full of ice, and the refrigerator 5000 may stop the ice making operation. For example, the processor of the refrigerator 5000 may control the dispenser not to supply water to the ice-making tray, or control the ice-making device not to separate ice from the ice-making tray.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator 5000 may obtain the ice loading ratio in the ice bucket based on the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the ice in the ice bucket. At this time, when the ice loading ratio becomes lower than the critical ratio (eg, 10%), the refrigerator 5000 may control the ice making device 5001 to perform an ice making operation. For example, the processor of the refrigerator 5000 may control the dispenser to supply water to the ice-making tray, or control the ice-making device to separate ice from the ice-making tray.

Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 uses the distance detection module 1400 to control the ice-making operation to maintain an appropriate amount of ice in the ice bucket, or to control the ice-making operation to maintain an appropriate amount of ice in the ice bucket. Information can be provided to users.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator 5000 that automatically fills a water tank with water using the distance detection module 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 27, the refrigerator 5000 may include a dispenser 5002 that provides purified water and/or ice, and a water container 5003 that stores water automatically supplied from the dispenser 5002. The water container 5003 may include an infuser into which a tea bag can be placed. Additionally, a distance detection module 1400 may be provided on the lid of the water container 5003.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 can measure the distance from the distance detection module 1400 provided on the lid of the water container 5003 to the water in the water container 5003. Since the distance detection module 1400 is provided at the upper end of the water tank, the shorter the measured distance, the larger the amount of water stored in the water tank 5003 may be. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 can identify the amount of water in the water tank 5003 based on the measured distance. Additionally, the refrigerator 5000 can provide information about the amount of water in the water tank 5003 to the user through an output interface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 uses the dispenser 5002 to stop supplying water to the water container 5003 when the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the water in the water container 5003 is less than a critical distance. ) can be controlled. If the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the water in the water container 5003 is less than the critical distance, the water container 5003 may be full of water, so the refrigerator 5000 is used to prevent water from overflowing from the water container 5003. Can control the dispenser 5002 to stop supplying water to the water tank 5003.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 may obtain the ratio of water in the water container 5003 based on the distance from the distance detection module 1400 to the water in the water container 5003. At this time, when the ratio of water in the water tank 5003 is lower than the critical ratio (e.g., 10%), the refrigerator 5000 may control the dispenser 5002 to perform a water supply operation to the water tank 5003.

Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 5000 uses the distance detection module 1400 to control the dispenser 5002 to maintain an appropriate amount of water in the water container 5003 or to control the water container 5003 Information about the amount of water in the water can be provided to the user.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a food waste processor that prevents by-products from overflowing from the storage container 1310 by providing a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310 according to the loading height of the by-products in the storage container 1310. (1000) may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by controlling the operation of the processing assembly 110 or the opening and closing of the outlet of the processing assembly 1100, according to the loading height of the by-product in the storage container 1310, the by-product is removed from the storage container 1310. A food waste disposer 1000 that prevents this overflow may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a food waste processor 1000 that identifies the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 using the distance detection module 1400 and provides information about the loading amount of by-products in real time will be provided. You can.

A food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processing assembly 1100 that generates by-products by drying or pulverizing food; A transfer pipe 1200 connected to the processing assembly 1100 and transporting the by-product produced in the processing assembly 1100; A storage container 1310 connected to the lower part of the transfer pipe 1200 and storing the by-products transferred through the transfer pipe 1200; A first distance sensor is placed on a cover 1320 provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310 at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200 and measures the distance to the by-product stored in the storage container 1310. module 1410; And when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance, an output interface is provided to output a notification related to emptying of the by-product of the storage container 1310. It may include at least one processor 1500 to control.

The first distance sensing module 1410 may be tilted at a predetermined angle in the direction in which the transfer pipe 1200 is located and disposed on the cover 1320 provided to seal the upper part of the storage container 1310.

The first distance detection module 1410 determines the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among the distance values measured for a predetermined time or the average of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among a predetermined number of distance values. The value may be obtained as the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product.

The first distance sensing module 1410 includes a sensor unit 1401 including a light emitting unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives incident light; And it may include a microcontroller (MCU) 1402 that processes raw data obtained from the sensor unit 1401.

The first distance sensing module 1410 includes a light emitting unit slit 1403a configured to pass a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a light receiving unit slit 1403b configured to pass a part of the light incident on the light receiving unit. It can be coupled to the sensor case 1403. The sensing area of the first distance sensing module 1410 may be adjusted by the first width of the light emitting unit slit 1403a and the second width of the light receiving unit slit 1403b.

The surface of the first distance sensing module on which the sensor unit 1401 is disposed may be coupled to a transparent cover 1404 to prevent contamination of foreign matter.

The food waste disposer 1000 may further include a second distance detection module 1420 disposed on one side of the storage container 1310. The second distance detection module 1420 is located a predetermined distance below the cover 1320 provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310, and by-products piled up above the height where the second distance detection module 1420 is located. can be detected.

The output interface may include at least one of a display or a speaker. When by-products are detected through the second distance detection module 1420, at least one processor 1500 controls the display to display a notification related to emptying of the by-products of the storage container 1310 or the storage container 1310. The speaker can be controlled to output a sound signal as a notification related to emptying by-products.

The food waste processor 1000 may further include a capacitance sensor 1430 provided on the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the transfer pipe 1200. At least one processor 1500 may identify that the storage container 1310 is full of by-products through the capacitance sensor 1430.

At least one processor 1500 may identify the loading amount of the by-product in the storage container 1310 based on the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 measured through the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product. You can. At least one processor 1500 may provide information regarding the loading amount of by-products.

At least one processor 1500, when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the by-product newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 is stored in a storage container through the transfer pipe 1200. The opening/closing unit 1106 may be controlled to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to block discharge to 1310).

When the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is longer than the threshold distance, the at least one processor 1500 opens the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to allow the by-product newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 to The opening/closing unit 1106 can be controlled to discharge into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200.

At least one processor 1500 is configured to set the processing assembly 1100 to not perform the operation of drying or grinding the food in the processing assembly 1100 when the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance. can be controlled.

At least one processor 1500 may obtain additional information including at least one of a signal return value, a lighting recognition return value, or a status code from the first distance detection module 1410. At least one processor 1500 may identify whether measurement data including the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is abnormal data, based on the additional information.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a food product including a processing assembly 1100 for drying or pulverizing food to generate by-products, a transfer pipe 1200 for transporting the by-products, and a storage container 1310 for storing the by-products. The method of operating the processor 1000 is to use the first distance detection module 1410 disposed on the cover 1320 to seal the upper part of the storage container 1310 at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200. 1 An operation of measuring the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product stored in the storage container 1310 (S810); And when the measured distance is less than or equal to the threshold distance, it may include an operation (S830) of outputting a notification related to emptying the by-products of the storage container 1310.

The operation of measuring the distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among the distance values measured for a predetermined time, or the average value of the remaining distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among a predetermined number of distance values. It may include obtaining an average value of the remaining distance values as the distance from the first distance detection module 1410 to the by-product.

The food waste processor 1000 may include a second distance detection module 1420 located a predetermined distance below the cover 1320 provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310. A method of operating the food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure detects by-products accumulated above the height at which the second distance detection module 1420 is located through the second distance detection module 1420, thereby storing the food waste. This may include displaying a notification related to emptying of the by-products of the container 1310 on the display, or outputting a notification related to emptying of the by-products of the storage container 1310 as a sound signal through a speaker.

A method of operating the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operation (S1920) of identifying the loading amount of by-products in the storage container 1310 based on the measured distance; And it may include an operation (S1930) providing information about the loading amount of the by-product.

The method of operating the food waste processor 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is that, when the measured distance is less than or equal to the critical distance, by-products newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 are transferred to the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200. It may include an operation of controlling the opening/closing unit 1106 to close the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 to block discharge to the air.

A method of operating the food waste disposer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes obtaining additional information including at least one of a signal return value, a lighting recognition return value, or a status code from the first distance detection module 1410. operation(S2320); And based on the additional information, it may include an operation of identifying whether the measured data including the measured distance is abnormal data (S2330).

A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and temporary storage media. It does not distinguish between cases where it is stored as . For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. A computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store or between two user devices (e.g. smartphones). It may be distributed in person or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) is stored on a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server. It can be temporarily stored or created temporarily.

Claims

In the food waste processor 1000,

A processing assembly 1100 that generates by-products by drying or pulverizing food;

A transfer pipe 1200 connected to the processing assembly 1100 and transporting the by-product produced in the processing assembly 1100;

A storage container 1310 connected to the lower part of the transfer pipe 1200 and storing the by-product transferred through the transfer pipe 1200;

A distance is placed on a cover 1320 provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310 at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200, and measures the distance to the by-product stored in the storage container 1310. Detection module 1410; and

Based on the distance from the distance detection module 1410 measured through the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product being less than a threshold distance, an output interface is provided to output a notification related to emptying of the by-product of the storage container 1310. A food waste processor (1000) including at least one processor (1500) for controlling.
The method of claim 1, wherein the distance detection module 1410 is

The food waste processor 1000 is disposed on the cover 1320 of the storage container 1310 at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction in which the transfer pipe 1200 is connected to the processing assembly 1100.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance detection module 1410,

The by-product is generated from the distance detection module 1410 by receiving an average value of distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among distance values measured for a predetermined time or an average value of distance values excluding the lowest value and the highest value among a predetermined number of distance values. Obtained by the distance to the food waste processor (1000).
The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance detection module 1410,

A sensor unit 1401 including a light emitting unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives incident light; and

A food waste processor 1000 including a microcontroller (MCU) 1402 that processes raw data obtained from the sensor unit 1401.
The method of claim 4, wherein the distance detection module 1410,

Coupled to the sensor case 1403 including a light emitting unit slit 1403a configured to pass a part of the light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a light receiving unit slit 1403b configured to pass a part of the light incident on the light receiving unit. become,

The food waste processor 1000 wherein the sensing area of the distance sensing module 1410 is adjusted by the first width of the light emitting unit slit (1403a) and the second width of the light receiving unit slit (1403b).
According to clause 4 or 5,

The sensor unit 1401 is located on one side of the distance detection module 1410,

The food waste disposer (1000) has one surface coupled to a transparent cover (1404) to prevent contamination of foreign matter.
According to any one of claims 1 to 6,

The distance detection module 1410 is a first distance detection module 1410,

The food waste disposer 1000 further includes a second distance detection module 1420 disposed on one side of the storage container 1310,

The second distance detection module 1420 is located a predetermined distance below the cover 1320 provided to seal the top of the storage container 1310, at a height at which the second distance detection module 1420 is located. A food waste processor (1000) that detects the by-products accumulating in excess.
In clause 7,

The output interface includes at least one of a display or a speaker,

The at least one processor 1500,

Based on the by-product detected by the second distance detection module 1420, the display is controlled to display a notification related to the by-product emptying of the storage container 1310, or the display is controlled to display a notification related to the by-product emptying of the storage container 1310 and A food waste processor (1000) that controls the speaker to output related notifications as sound signals.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the food waste disposer (1000),

It further includes a capacitance sensor 1430 provided on the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the transfer pipe 1200,

The food waste processor 1000, wherein the at least one processor 1500 identifies that the storage container 1310 is full of the by-product through the capacitance sensor 1430.
The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one processor 1500:

Based on the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product measured through the distance detection module 1410, identify the loading amount of the by-product in the storage container 1310,

A food waste processor (1000) that provides information regarding the loading amount of the by-product.
The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one processor 1500:

Based on the fact that the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the by-product newly generated in the processing assembly 1100 is discharged into the storage container 1310 through the transfer pipe 1200. A food waste processor (1000) that controls the opening/closing unit (1106) to close the outlet of the processing assembly (1100) to block the food waste disposer (1000).
The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one processor 1500:

Based on the fact that the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is longer than the threshold distance, the outlet of the processing assembly 1100 is opened to allow the newly generated by-product in the processing assembly 1100 to enter the transfer pipe ( A food disposer (1000) that controls the opening/closing unit (1106) to discharge food waste into the storage container (1310) through (1200).
The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one processor 1500:

Based on the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product being less than or equal to the threshold distance, controlling the processing assembly 1100 to not perform an operation of drying or grinding the food in the processing assembly 1100. , food waste processor (1000).
The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one processor 1500:

Obtain additional information including at least one of a signal return value, a lighting recognition return value, or a status code from the distance detection module 1410,

Based on the additional information, the food waste processor 1000 identifies whether measurement data including the distance from the distance detection module 1410 to the by-product is abnormal data.
In the operating method of the food waste processor 1000,

From the distance detection module 1410 by the distance detection module 1410 disposed on the cover 1320 provided to seal the upper part of the storage container 1310 at a predetermined distance from the transfer pipe 1200 for transporting by-products. An operation of measuring the distance from the processing assembly 1100 to the by-product produced by drying or grinding the food and stored in the storage container 1310 (S810); and

A method including an operation (S830) of outputting a notification related to emptying of the storage container 1310 with by-products based on the measured distance being less than or equal to the threshold distance.